Star Australian opener David Warner is “weary and exhausted” ahead of the next four-Test series in India, which begins in Nagpur on February 9. A hectic home season has left him that way. During a busy summer, the 36-year-old participated in a variety of forms, including Tests against West Indies and South Africa, as well as ODI series against Zimbabwe, New Zealand, and England. Along with participating in the T20 World Cup at home, Warner also played half a dozen Big Bash League games for Sydney Thunder (BBL).
“It’s been challenging. I’m quite tired and exhausted,” Warner was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “A few guys have gone to the UAE League but aren’t attending the Cricket Australia awards. From my perspective, it would have been nice to have had another night at home. But it is what it is.” In his 100th Test, Warner broke a losing streak with a double-century. Before rain interfered and gave Brisbane Heat the victory in the BBL Eliminator, he too looked sharp during his 20-ball 36 not out for Sydney Thunder.
Warner claimed that the BBL’s return was for the benefit of his team. “You’re not really trying to negate the spinning ball, it’s a white ball as well,” Warner said of the BBL. “For me, it was about coming back and trying to inject some energy into the Thunder team and trying to put my best foot forward for the team. It hasn’t come off this year. Hopefully, next year I can come out and be fresher than I am now. It will be a long lead-in to our summer (that includes the ODI World Cup in India). From a personal point of view, I’m going to have to try and work out how to stay nice and fresh,” he added.